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© 2013 National Safety Council

Prevention:

Teen Abuse of Prescription Drugs

Support for this project was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury

Prevention and Control, under contract number 200-2012-M-52649.

© 2013 National Safety Council

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A Growing Trend

• Abuse of prescription drugs not prescribed for the teen taking them is a growing trend in the U.S.

• Many teens believe prescription drugs are not as dangerous as illegal drugs

• Approximately 1 out of every 5 teens has taken prescription drugs not prescribed for them

© 2013 National Safety Council

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A Growing Trend

• This trend spans across geographic, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic populations

• When medicines are used for anything other then their intended and approved purpose, they can be just as dangerous as illegal street drugs

© 2013 National Safety Council

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Reasons for use

• Manage and regulate their lives

• Increase energy

• Increase ability to focus

• Cope with academic, social or emotional stress

• Lose weight or “bulk up”

© 2013 National Safety Council

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Risks

• Addiction

• Overdose

• Exhaustion and/or confusion

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Psychosis- with addiction or withdrawal

• Prevent learning of healthy coping skills

© 2013 National Safety Council

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Study Drugs

• Stimulant medications or amphetamines typically prescribed for treatment of ADHD

• Students without ADHD take these drugs to stay awake or improve test scores

• Parents’ awareness does not match self-reported use by teens (UM, 2013)

© 2013 National Safety Council

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Prescription Pain Medications

• Opioids prescribed to relieve pain

• Includes Vicodin, Percocet, Morphine

• Long-term use can lead to addiction

• Should not be taken with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines

© 2013 National Safety Council

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Anti-Anxiety Drugs

• Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants, also known as sedatives or tranquilizers

• Typically prescribed to treat anxiety or sleep disorders & panic attacks

• Includes Valium and Xanax

• Long-term use can lead to addiction

© 2013 National Safety Council

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Prevention

• Begin efforts early in life

• By age 9, children have opinions about substance use

• Parents should stay connected with their children, share information and encourage healthy behaviors

• Positive self-esteem, a supportive family, and positive role models help

© 2013 National Safety Council

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Additional Resources

• www.cdc.gov

• www.drugabuse.gov

• www.nsc.org

• www.umich.edu/research.php

• http://medicineabuseproject.org

Support for this project was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, under contract number 200-2012-M-52649.

© 2013 National Safety Council

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